Malzahn said Wednesday, in his time on the Southeastern Conference media teleconference, that White’s first practice with the first-team offense “went extremely well” and his teammates were excited for the change at quarterback.

In his time on the teleconference Wednesday, Mullen acknowledged the uniqueness of “never having seen (White) play ever”, which is understandable seeing as how the 19-year-old has yet to take a snap in his college career.

Mullen has experience with taking a young quarterback to Jordan-Hare Stadium as his current quarterback Dak Prescott made his first career start against a SEC opponent at Auburn in 2013. Prescott had 346 total yards (233 passing, 134 rushing) in a dramatic 24-20 loss to Auburn after Nick Marshall led the Tigers to a game-winning drive.

Mullen disregarded the idea that he and MSU defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who faced Auburn last year while he was at Louisiana Tech, would have to adapt in real-time to the difference between White and Jeremy Johnson.

“Every game is critical to your season," Mullen said. “There aren't many layup-games in the Southeastern Conference. You've got to show up every single game and play your butt off.”

Malzahn confirmed during the teleconference that Johnson will be the backup quarterback and stressed the importance of keeping the junior from Montgomery mentally involved in the program even though he was been removed as the starter.

“I think that is very important,” Malzahn said. “We're just encouraging Jeremy to keep working and we know he will. His teammates really responded to him as well in practice (Tuesday)."